Paths to professional excellence

In the evolving landscape of irrigation, certification through the Irrigation Association has emerged as a beacon of professionalism and expertise. Two seasoned professionals, Mark Stuhlsatz, CLIA, CIT, vice president of regional operations at Ryan Lawn & Tree, Merriam, Kansas, and Mark Dzierzbicki, CIC, president of Controlled Irrigation & Backflow Inc., Highland, Indiana, share their insights on how IA certification has transformed their careers and operations, underscoring the pivotal role of education and certification in the industry.

Certification: A mark of professionalism

Stuhlsatz says that IA certification changed how he approaches his work, as the training leading up to certification broadened his understanding of irrigation, grounding the daily routine in reality.

“I believe there is real power when you understand ‘why,’ not just ‘how.’”
– Mark Stuhlsatz, CLIA, CIT, Ryan Lawn & Tree

“I believe there is real power when you understand ‘why,’ not just ‘how,’” he says. This philosophy is at the heart of his approach to irrigation.

Regardless of the licensing or certification requirements of a particular market, Stuhlsatz emphasizes that certifications are crucial in elevating the standard of work. “Certifications add a level of professionalism to the job, which is sorely needed in the irrigation industry,” he explains.

Certification provides a structured framework for this understanding, encompassing the theoretical and practical aspects of irrigation. According to the IA’s Certification Candidate Handbook, the “certification program is designed to provide a mechanism by which individuals can demonstrate their experience and professionalism in one or more areas of the irrigation industry. Certification represents a milestone in one’s career that should encourage continued learning and development through additional practice and training to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry.”

Enhancing knowledge and trust

For Stuhlsatz, certification is not just a badge. It’s a testament to a professional’s deep understanding of irrigation concepts and principles and proof of the education done to reach that certification.

At Ryan Lawn & Tree, management leverages certifications as a means of ensuring their employees are competent in technical aspects of irrigation management. The benefits of education and certification extend beyond individual growth, Stuhlsatz says. They contribute to building a knowledgeable workforce capable of tackling complex irrigation challenges. Certified professionals are better equipped to design efficient systems, implement sustainable practices and provide clients with superior service because they have the additional training and understanding of a wider range of issues and solutions. This, in turn, enhances the reputation of the entire organization, positioning it as a leader in water management and conservation. That hard-earned reputation can translate into additional business and customer trust in your expertise.

“Certifications are a great way to verify that your associates really understand irrigation concepts and principles,” says Stuhlsatz. “What I’ve found is that when you really understand irrigation, it becomes much easier to sell water savings such as Wi-Fi controllers, pressure regulation, proper installation, etc.”

Dzierzbicki highlights the respect and trust that certification garners from clients and vendors alike. “Our vendors show us great respect. They want that certification. It’s helped us out quite a bit,” says Dzierzbicki. This respect translates into better business relationships and a stronger reputation in the market, he says.

From certification to real-world impact

Dzierzbicki illustrates how certification opens doors to high-profile projects and clients.

“Having the certification was a plus for me,” says Dzierzbicki. “It got me into a few places I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, we did two projects for state environmental agencies, one in Illinois and one in Indiana. These were significant remediation projects for contaminated earth and aquifers, affected by years of state truck use.”

Dzierzbicki says the other project involved addressing odor issues from a beef products company. The remnants from processing went into large pits, and the smell would carry to nearby farms. The farmers’ complaints eventually led to state intervention.

“We implemented a drophead irrigation system that worked year-round in the Midwest, which was challenging,” he says. The project involved using chlorine dioxide and required high-end materials like seals to handle the chemicals. “This system neutralized the odor over the pits.”

Dzierzbicki says his status as a certified irrigation professional gave him access to a wider range of projects.

“Certification opened me up to such projects because higher-end agencies and contractors look for certified individuals and companies, not just anyone with a pickup truck,” he says.

Stuhlsatz notes that while certifications might not always directly bring in new business, they have additional benefits as a goal for employees who are looking for additional advancement and professional education. The training that goes into getting professional certification ensures their staff are ready to get into the field and to work sooner.

“Coupled with our in-house learning management system, we have been able to get our folks up to speed faster,” he says. “Ultimately, being more knowledgeable has allowed them to better serve our clients by proactively recognizing potential issues and providing solutions.”

A commitment to continuous improvement

The journey to certification is rigorous, demanding a significant investment of time, energy and money. Dzierzbicki says the rewards far outweigh the costs. He advocates for the IA’s courses, some of which teach foundational knowledge for the certification exams.

“The IA offers a lot,” says Dzierzbicki. “Joining the IA has been a great thing. That’s a really good organization, and a lot of their preparation tools for testing and things like that are just excellent. I can’t imagine myself having succeeded without that available to me.”

Dzierzbicki highlights the importance of continuous education for new and established employees. For him, it’s a lot like preparing for a job. “You need to just stop for a moment and say you can get the parts you need. You can do the job correctly. You don’t have to be MacGyver.”

As leaders in their field, both Stuhlsatz and Dzierzbicki encourage their teams to pursue certification. Stuhlsatz plans to integrate certified professionals into his company’s marketing strategy, reinforcing the value of certification. Dzierzbicki goes a step further, mandating certification for his team. “My people are now the people with the answers. That was my goal, and I’m proud of it.”

Luke Reynolds is the content editor for Irrigation & Lighting and can be reached via email.